Shops have been banned from selling fireworks across New Delhi in an attempt to tackle deadly levels of air pollution.

The ban comes 10 days before the Hindu festival of Diwali, when millions of fireworks are traditionally set off during celebrations.

Every year, in the days following the festival of lights, there is a sharp rise in the number of people admitted to hospital suffering from asthma and respiratory problems - and many find it difficult to breathe.

India's Supreme Court hopes the ban, which will last until 1 November, will help improve air quality in New Delhi.

Image:Heavy dust and smog last November in Delhi following Diwali celebrations

The city's air is among the dirtiest in the world - and after Diwali last year, choking smog forced schools to close for three days.

People who have already purchased fireworks will be able to use them during the festivities, but new ones cannot be sold.

The government welcomed the move, with Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan requesting people to abide by the order.

But others, including Priti Gandhi, a leader from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist party, saw it as an attack on tradition and Hindu culture.

Many others were also unhappy with the move, with one person writing on Twitter: "We Indians will protest and burn crackers... We will uphold our culture, traditions and celebrate Diwali."

Last week, levels of lung-clogging particulate matter known as PM2.5 were 17 times higher than what is deemed safe by the World Health Organisation.

Pollution levels in New Delhi hit a 10-year high following Diwali in 2016, according to NDTV, and three children who demanded a fireworks ban had their petition heard by the Supreme Court.

The children had argued: "We are the most vulnerable category when it comes to air pollution, especially from suspended particles and toxins.

"We are foremost prone to lung disease, asthma, coughing, bronchitis, retarded development of the nervous system and cognitive impairment."